As part of the tests, some subjects were asked to perform "rituals" right before each meal, ranging from knocking on the table to closing their eyes and slowly counting to ten.

The other group of subjects were instructed to closely examine the calorie intake and nutritional value of their food during meals, with all test subjects then being observed over a longer period of time.

The results showed that those who carried out rituals prior to eating ate fewer in calories than the control group, with a reduced intake in both sugar and fat being particularly noticeable.

Small habits can have a big impact — and not just on losing weight

The results of this study could apply to any scenario where subjects are exposed to physical or psychological temptation.

In another study, individuals were evaluated on their willingness to cancel a party, to instead volunteer on a welfare project. Those carrying out familiar rituals before making their decisions opted more frequently in favour of the welfare project than those who didn't.

In essence, rituals may not only help us lose weight, but could also help us to reconsider other decisions.

Rituals help us to make more rational decisions, but why?

Researchers attribute this phenomenon to the region of the brain responsible for self-discipline and stamina, which seems to be stimulated when rituals are performed.

The continual repetition of behaviours such as triggers the brain to adjust to new patterns and slowly alter our eating behaviours.

Consequently, we end up consuming fewer calories and could even lose weight.

The results of the study suggest people can resist temptation much more easily by carrying out their own rituals before meals — and these findings that rituals can encourage self-control aren't limited to eating; these practices can be applied to other decision-making scenarios too.

We may soon see calorie-counting at the table replaced by different sort of counting!